The Priority:
Commitment to prioritise continuing the SU's Free Soup Friday initiative.
Context:
After being put to a student vote, this proposal was discussed, debated and voted in as a Union Priority by students, with the condition that the soup stays free. This means that there will be a key focus on this work by the sabbatical officer team, it also means that officer budget will be allocated to this work. Aisha, the Vice President Falmouth and Avery, the Vice President Exeter will be leading on this union priority, working with the sabbatical team and appropriate members of staff/students in carrying out this work.
Free Soup Friday was originally initiated by a previous sabbatical officer of the SU and has since continued every Friday to help students build community, ensure a nutritional meal within their diet and help with the challenges currently faced through the cost of living crisis. Unfortunately, due to the capacity of our current space and team, we have faced some logistical difficulties with continuing Free Soup Friday. The sabbatical officer team have been working hard on both a long and short term solution to ensure this work can continue. We have recently introduced 'soup tokens' to help us handle attendee numbers and health and safety concerns, as well as adding extra food options for students to add to the meal.
Through this union priority the officer team will work on a more sustainable, long-term plan that works to provide as much free soup Friday to as many students as possible in a consistent and sustainable way.
What we’ve achieved
Key Outcomes:
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Over 12 sessions spread across the academic year a total of 677 students were provided a complete nutritious meal. Students highlighted that Free Soup Friday provides students with reliable, healthy meals and vital financial support during difficult periods.
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During soup Fridays we served 6 very nutritious custom soup recipes complete with fruit, bread and crisps. The last soup session of the year ended on bang with students being served a complete meal of one cup of soup, one bread bun, one packet of Crisps, one Fruit YoYo, one cake, one Graze / Lovecorn and one Fruit Split.
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As part of the SUs commitment to being inclusive we strive to ensure every Free Soup Friday is all gluten free and vegan. Students especially valued the inclusive dietary options, welcoming atmosphere, and sense of community, helping them feel supported, connected, and cared for.
By the Numbers:
Why this matters
Student food poverty has become culturally normalised nationally. People accept it as fact that students must sacrifice their quality of life to gain an education. We do not accept that student food poverty is the only option. This year we are championing action to help all students gain access to nutritious food, To mitigate financial burdens and empower students to thrive.
What's Next?
The current President team will be passing the baton over to your newly elected 2026-27 President team to continue this crucial work. As with all Union Priorities, we are eager for student participation and feedback to shape what this work looks like!
Your Turn!
Want to get involved? Here's how:
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Stay Updated: Instagram
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Make a change: Make A Change
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Take Action: Vote on proposals through Make A Change or make your own proposal! Talk to your reps, whether that be reps from your course or your SU Presidents - Find My Rep , Presidents . Attend ‘Collectives’ to make change for your community or come to forum Student Forum, where we discuss ongoing priority work and vote in proposals to either be actively worked on with allocated budget or worked on amongst other issues! If you want to see something changed, why not come have your say?
Questions or ideas? Get in touch via email at presidents@thesu.org.uk - we'd love to hear from you.